In celebration of Women’s Day last Sundag (9 August), Weslander asked local women to reflect on the day’s significance and to honour the women who have helped shape their lives.

Rusinda Demas – “Vrouedag herinner my aan my waarde as vrou en die belangrikheid van respek en liefde. Vroue vervul talle belangrike rolle in die samelewing. My grootste inspirasie is my ma. Haar streng maar liefdevolle opvoeding het my gevorm tot wie ek vandag is.”

Esmarelda McKay – “Vroue- dag herinner my aan die krag van vroue wanneer ons mekaar ondersteun. Vroue versterk gesinne en gemeenskappe. My grootste inspirasie is Lucinda Evans, wat my aangemoedig het om my stem teen geslagsgeweld te gebruik en my roeping met selfvertroue uit te leef.”

Trish Goosen – “Vrouedag herinner my aan die krag, moed en omgee waarmee vroue elke dag ‘n verskil maak. Vroue bou gesinne, versterk gemeenskappe en bring hoop. My grootste inspirasies is my ma, my vriendin Zurika van Wyk en Chrisna du Plessis van Si- yabonga, wie se geloof en diens my motiveer.”

Vigeniëa Payne – “Vrouedag is ‘n dag om myself te bederf en tyd saam met ander vroue deur te bring. Vroue is steunpilare van gesinne en gemeenskappe. My grootste inspirasies is my ma, Wendy Constable, my susters en my dogter, Melissa Smit, wat my inspireer met hul geloof, deursettingsvermoë en omgee.”

Natasha Tolken Smit – “Vroue is die gom wat gesinne bymekaar hou en vervul talle rolle as ma, vriendin, versor- ger, werker en broodwinner. My grootste inspirasie is my ma, wat vier dogters met liefde grootgemaak het. Elke vrou, ongeag haar omstandighede, maak ‘n verskil in haar gemeenskap.”

Nasiphi Pasiya – “Women’s Day reminds me of the journey towards gender equality and the power women have to create positive change. Women shape communities and influence future generations. My greatest inspiration is Shonda Rhimes, who broke barriers as a black woman in the media industry and showed how storytelling can educate and inspire communities – and women.”

Ezile Jakalase Mcaba – “Women’s Day reminds me that every woman has the power to overcome challenges and inspire change. As founder of Getting Real with Women to Women, I see how empowered women strengthen their communities. My greatest inspiration is my late aunt, Maxaba, whose resilience, faith and unconditional love inspire my work.”

Nosipho Lisa – “Women’s Day is a time to honour the women who shaped history and celebrate the vital role women play in families and communities. My greatest inspiration is my mother, who raised five children alone after my father passed away. Her sacrifices, unconditional love and resilience made her my superhero.”